Four years I lived a nightmare

from which I just could not awake,

where this ever deepening slumber

like a black hole - light forsake,

Obscuring memories of health

that earlier years I had embraced,

in a cloak of deepening illness

that grew more and more abased.

I saw the Reaper with his sickle

from afar fast gaining ground,

drawing oh so ever closer

as his hourglass ran down,

The stench of death his visage carries

immortal vulture in Grim façade,

on black horse pursues the living

for which he holds so little regard.

Hell bent to end my life his purpose

no doubt of this is my belief,

face to face in all his horror

as his breath fell upon my cheek,

For each cell within my body

bore witness of my demise,

though each assault I fought with valor

intent upon my Savior’s eye’s,

To fulfill a sacred promise

to my mother and my wife,

not to leave if I could help it

or give up without a fight.

To wait upon the Lord my purpose

accepting this hand that I’d been dealt,

for everything God has a purpose

so on bended knee my heart had knelt,

I feel the prayer’s on my behalf

these long years are my reward,

and I thank each of you dearly

for God’s permissible will implored,

For our Great Judge high in heaven

seemed to say I’d had enough,

and condemned that damned accuser

as He called him on his bluff.

Now acquitted from my sentence

God intervened on my behalf,

as my spirit has been lifted

my joyful heart again can laugh,

I share with you my friend this journey

so that you may learn this truth,

that with God all things are possible

but a will of patience is absolute.